June 13: Prime Minister Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley launched the Asia pacific Human Development Report in Thimphu. The launch was coordinated by the Anti-Corruption Commission and the UNDP.

With the theme, “Tackling Corruption, Transforming lives” the Asia pacific Human Development Report was published by UNDP. The Report examines the dimension of the corruption in the region. It says politicians, police and judges are seen as the most corrupt groups in the Asia Pacific region.

Launching the Report, the Prime Minister Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley said his government is committed towards promoting good governance. He said good governance has to do with being responsible, accountable and transparent. Thus, he said people should be empowered in the first place to make the government accountable.

The report identifies areas that anti corruption activities could focus on. The report also emphasizes on media and laws on rights to Information as means to prevent and expose corruption.

Speaking at the launch, the UN resident Representative, Nicolas Rossellini said the present governments’ policy of zero tolerance to corruption is commendable.

The report was prepared by the Human Development Report Unit Team at the regional center in Sri Lanka.

Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, Chairperson of the anti corruption commission, senior government officials and Representatives from international agencies attended the launch.